Belconnen United v Canberra Olympic

Belconnen United will look to continue on from last week’s grand final rematch win over Canberra FC when they welcome Canberra Olympic to McKellar Park on Saturday afternoon. Goals to Chloe Callaghan and Maddy Whittall were enough for Belconnen United against tough opposition, and they will fancy themselves against an Olympic side who have struggled to get going this season.

Rob Scott’s side went into the break against Gungahlin last week down 8-1, but an impressive second half saw the match finish 9-2. The new side on the block have yet to win a game but it is hard to see them picking up the first points this weekend. Belconnen are yet to lose at McKellar Park this season, including an 8-0 thumping of Monaro only a few weeks ago.

 

Gungahlin United v Tuggeranong United

Tuggeranong United will be aiming to break into the Top Four this weekend when they take on Gungahlin United at Gungahlin. A big loss to the Canberra United Academy last weekend was their second in a row, after two wins to start the season. After such a strong beginning against last season’s Grand-Final teams, the slip of Michael Aldred’s team was unexpected, but it is vital that they break out of it this weekend.

Gungahlin’s big win over Olympic was the perfect rebound from their loss to the Canberra United Academy, and will give them confidence heading into this clash. United will need to be careful that they do not push too high against a Tuggies side that has proved to be dangerous on the break so far, however Gungahlin’s forward line is dangerous enough that any chance may well end up in a goal. This is sure to be a tough, hard-fought game between two sides both looking for a top four spot.

 

Woden-Weston FC v Canberra FC

A fast-improving Woden-Weston side will host Canberra FC this weekend as they aim to string together their third straight win in the league. The Wanderers got off to a tough start in the league but have won their past two games against Tuggeranong and then Monaro Panthers. The goals have been spread out meaning that Canberra FC’s defence will have a tough time covering all bases in defence, as against Belconnen last weekend.

FC created their chances against Belconnen last weekend but too often failed to take them, and will need to do better this week against a side whom will punish them on the other end. Mark Risteski is still awaiting a full-strength side for the first time this season but it is important that they begin stringing wins together now if they want to make headway on the table. Woden-Weston have a decidedly young side and it would be wise of the visitors here to make their Premier League experience count.

 

Canberra United Academy v Monaro Panthers

The Monaro Panthers will travel to Hawker this weekend as they try to break a three-match losing streak that followed their Round One win over Canberra Olympic. Angelo Maralit’s side have since had heavy losses to Canberra FC, Belconnen and Woden-Weston, a period in which they have scored once and conceded 18 times. A tightening up at the back is imperative this weekend against a Canberra United Academy side brimming with confidence and pace. 

Another big win last weekend, this time over Tuggeranong United, cemented the Academy’s spot at the top of the table with a league-high 25 goals scored in the first four rounds while only conceding four. The young side are full of poise and goal scoring ability, with Jasmine Genovesi once more grabbing a bag of goals in last week’s win. It is hard to see the Academy side been toppled in this match up as the Panthers continue to struggle along at both ends.